The Best Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones allow you to listen to music or podcasts on the go without being tied to your device. The best headphones connect wirelessly to your phone, laptop or record player via Bluetooth or another protocol.
The active noise cancellation system cuts down the low rumble of buses and chatty colleagues. They are also extremely comfortable to wear for long periods.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5s are Sony's next generation of flagship headphones. They're an improvement over the XM4s with improved noise cancellation and smart features. The headphones are more expensive but have an elegant look and feel. These headphones are great for commuters or frequent travellers.
The new headphones feature an elegant minimalist design constructed from recycled plastic. They're also lighter than previous models. The headband is padded with soft material to ensure it's more comfortable. The earcups are also smaller, which means they fit more closely to the ear canals to prevent sound leakage.
The headphones have an automatic adaptive ANC which can alter the volume depending on your surroundings. The ANC isn't as effective at removing low-frequency noise as Bose's QuietComfort 45 or QC45 Wireless however, it is effective in dealing with high-frequency and mid-frequency noise like office chatter and airplane engine roar.
Other smart features include Wearing Detection that detects when you remove the headphones and instantly pauses the music, and then starts playing again as soon as you put them on. There's also Speak-to-Chat, which lets you talk to someone without taking the headphones off. It works well however it's not perfect. Sometimes the audio will switch back when you finish talking.
The DSEE HX Extreme Audio Processing Engine from Sony is also included. It upscales compressed music to give it greater clarity and depth. This isn't a feature you'll notice in everyday use, but it does be noticeable when listening to high-resolution tracks.
These headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 which allows for higher bitrate streaming than other headsets. This will improve their performance when listening to music using your mobile phone, laptop or tablet. They also support multi-point connections which means you can connect them with two devices at the same at the same time. This is especially beneficial when you want to listen to music on one device and using them for hands-free calls.
2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
Sennheiser MOMENTUM Wireless headphones aren't the most distinctive but that doesn't necessarily mean they're not an excellent pair. These headphones over-ear offer exceptional noise cancellation, and boast an impressive 60 hours of battery. This is more than twice as long as the majority of rivals. The Sony WH1000XM5 and Bowers & Wilkins PX8 wireless provide 30 to 40 hours of battery life. The MOMENTUM's impressive battery life is due to several power-saving functions including sleep and on-head detector.
Sennheiser headphones are among the best Bluetooth headsets on the market. They feature a symbiotic mix between strong bass and warm mids that don't overpower each other. The high-end is clear but not harsh. Its clarity allows it to handle the most bombastic action film soundtracks. The Control app allows you to modify the sound profile and add an EQ. This makes it simple to personalize the headphones to suit your preferences.
The MOMENTUM Wireless is a little less durable than the wired version, yet still feels sturdy and well-built. The ear pads of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are soft over ear headphones noise cancelling wireless and supple and are comfortable on the head. I wore them all day long, whether working at home or on an airplane. They're not ideal for working out however, as they may fall off your ears if you move your head fast.
As with their predecessors, the MOMENTUM 4's ANC performance is outstanding, though not quite as high-quality as the Sony WH-1000XM5. They cut out low noise from plane and bus engines, but don't really do a an excellent job of eliminating chattering between passengers or other ambient noise. They also have the added benefit of supporting aptX which has greater bitrates than AAC and SBC.
The ear cups of the Sennheisers are able to rotate to lay flat, but don't fold like some other models. Nonetheless, the headphones are compact enough to fit in their carrying case that is hard when they're not in use, which makes them ideal for commute and travel.
3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
Bowers & Wilkins second-generation wireless headphones are among the best noise-canceling headphones you can purchase. They are in direct competition with Sony's WH1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 65. They provide premium build quality, impressive audio performance, and comfort. In contrast to many high-end Bluetooth headsets, they do not come with a range of extravagant features or touch-based gesture control they are instead designed to deliver an audio experience that is as immersive and as enjoyable as it can be.
The Px7 S2's ANC is extremely effective in reducing ambient noise, and has a high level of isolation from low-frequency rumble like bus and plane engines, mid-range sounds like office chatter, and the high-pitched whirls of laptop fans. They don't isolate quite as effectively against higher-frequency noise, such as traffic or conversation, but are more effective than their predecessors. The Bowers & Wilkins app also allows you to fine-tune your ANC to fit your hearing.
They sport a stylish design, featuring a sleek headband and earcups with leatherette memory foam padding. The headphones are a bit heavier than other top noise cancelling headphones however, they are worth the investment because of their sturdy design and a thoughtful design. The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're at work, at home or on a long flight.
In terms of sound quality, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2's 40mm dynamic drivers provide powerful bass, crisp highs and spacious, detailed imaging. They create a lively and a full sound, with a distinct air between the sound elements. This makes them an ideal option for music and podcasts. They have aptX Adaptive codec support, which means you can stream high-res audio with low latency.
The controls on the Px7 S2 are simple to use. They have a volume up/down button, a play/pause switch and the earcup button. The buttons are tactile and textured which adds to the headphones' premium feel. The headphones are stable over-ears and won't drop off your head. They fold up into a compact carrying case, making transporting them simple.
4. V-Moda S-80
Generally speaking, you get what you pay for when it comes to headphones but the V-Moda S-80 are an exception. They are among the top-quality wireless headphones and have an elegant sturdy design. Unfortunately, they cost nearly as much as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 which is a lot of money for on-ear headphones.
The V-Moda S-80 is the first wireless headphone made by the company. It can be worn on your head, or tied around your neck to create a personal speaker (earcups facing upwards). They're tuned to provide a clear sound that enhances contemporary electronic music, and also support advanced audio codecs, such as Qualcomm's aptX HD. They have magnet shields that are interchangeable and can be customized in colors, allowing you to give your headphones a unique appearance to match your outfit.
While the S-80 are a refreshing departure from the company's M-Series models, they have some flaws that make them not ideal for all users. The 12.5 pounds of weight makes them feel heavy, particularly when worn on the ears. This causes pressure on the ear, which could cause headaches within an hour. The headband is also uncomfortable and stiff when it is worn around your neck.
The S-80 has poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volumes there is significant background noise. It's not a major issue however the absence of ANC means that you'll likely want to limit your listening time to about 20 hours per month.
The absence of a 3.5mm port limits connectivity and may make them unsuitable for use in intense physical activities. They're not foldable and don't come with a case, which limits portability and stowability. The S-80's rugged design and outstanding sound quality counterbalance these drawbacks. They also come with a two-year warranty and the Immortal Life Program guarantee that provides a replacement pair for 50% of their retail value if they break, get a scratch, or otherwise lose value.